NOW that the very successful carnival is behind us, planning for the October Goose Fair is no doubt in full swing.

I find many residents agree with me in urging the organisers to put Tavistock first this year. New ideas and lots of imagination are needed to make the fair work positively for Tavistock and the surrounding villages.

Last October you printed an appeal from Mrs Hurdwell, of the Wharf, that Tavistock businesses should no longer be obliged to close their doors and lose money on Goose Fair day. I ask that the fair authorities heed her plea.

Traders and stallholders from distant parts come into the town in large numbers; they pay for the space they use, and give us and our visitors a bit of fun, but they take away large sums of money.

Some local charity stalls do well, but it seems to me that Tavistock as a town gains very little and — with a few exceptions — the benefit of this huge event to our own local businesses and community is small.

So let's turn the whole thing round. For example, let the West Devon Farmers' Market be encouraged to come and make a splash this year. Let our own loyal market-traders be supported and helped to take the best positions. Let our local arts and crafts be promoted and given room to show off their attractive wares — not tucked away but in the front ranks.

Let there be a distinctive Tavistock and Dartmoor air about the place. Above all, for perhaps the first time for some years, we need a direct link to the true traditions of the Tavistock Goosey Fair.

Dick Eberlie